Github reacts to Facebook, adds reactions

So I just read over at the Laravel News that Github has introduced reactions. The code-sharing, version-control, platform har added reactions to issues and pull-requests, where a lot most the discussions take place. Part of why Github has elected to add reactions is in part due to the “open-letter” by the community, and they wanted to address the problem that many people in fact “react” to issues, pr’s and so on with emoji. This creates a lot of clutter and noise, as the discussion thread is full av emoji and no content. Secondly they also wanted to let people express their feelings more effectively.

Github Reactions

Github Reactions

We’re adding Reactions to conversations today to help people express their feelings more simply and effectively. – Github

And sure, I get all this and it is a good move indeed. However, you saw that coming didn’t you 😉
However, the “reactions” they have chosen. I do really wonder if they’ve done as much research as Facebook did for which emoji, or reactions, they have chosen. Facebook wrote a long post on how, what and why they chose the ones they did. How did Github and up with thump up/down – laugh – confused – heart – hooray?

On the Github blog they do say that:

”We decided to choose reactions that are relevant to the conversations people have on GitHub. :+1::-1::smile::thinking_face::heart::tada: cover the range of reactions our users typically express through comments on GitHub. We’re looking forward to seeing how the GitHub community uses this set of reactions.”

But who says “hooray” for example, really?

And then there is the timing, are they really reacting to the “open-letter” or just copying Facebook.
Oh well, my ramblings, I do like the feature though – nice one octocats!

What’s your take on Github reactions?

Secure your Facebook connection

A while back there was a lot of talk about peoples accounts being easily hacked with a Firefox plugin called Firesheep. This could be done because sites like Facebook didn’t use secure https connections.

Well now, as some may have noticed, Facebook has solved the problem and you can now activate https, “whenever possible“.

This is how to activate it:

  • click Account in the right corner
  • Account Settings
  • Click the Account Security heading (third from bottom)
  • Mark the Secure Browsing (https) option

Option should be available to everyone, but if you don’t see it check back in a few days.
You could also fill in the ‘s’ in the adress bar yourself when you login so that the adress is https://facebook.com instead of http://facebook.com .

New Facebook Page Browse page released

So earlier this evening (friday) Facebook made an update to Pages and launched Page Browser! What?!

Yes Page Browser, it’s a new [for facebook] and easier way to find new, interesting, cool, what ever you want Pages. Finally, yes that is my first impression! Now if we could get this for people too, yes? no?
Because honestly, that’s been one of the big weaks points on FB in my opinion, it’s really hard to find new people. If you don’t hang around in groups and pages all day… Then again, maybe that’s what one should do.. hmm?
Lately on the otherhand I’ve been wishing I had less “friends”, so perhaps finding new ones is not an issue 😛

Anyway, Facebook Page Browser has launched, do check it out!! =)